to not understand inconsistency in pharmacies!

Sorry kitty

Not woken up properly yet.

That was my point really nightowl - that there was inconsistency in how the situation was handled!

Am I the only one who is quite relieved that some pharmacists are actually checking whether some medications are appropriate/ safe/ the best option. As others have suggested, GPs are often rushed and not necessarily checking fully when they give out prescriptions. Pharmacists are perhaps better qualified in this area.

My OH's medication got in a right old mess after years of tinkering by successive GPs and made him very ill, to the point where for several months he thought he was dying. It was actually a new Consultant (not a pharmacist) that sorted it all out but it did show how GPs are not necessarily the best people to fully understand how certain medications can interact.

Is this all going on because people are 'minding their backs' in case something awful does happen, and they might be sued for selling something which causes a serious reaction, and the person using the substance was not warned of any such thing?

Because thrush is not "normal" in over 60s maybe and you should see your doctor?

When I tried to buy a Canesten oral and cream duo for thrush, I was told they couldn't give it to the over 60s. I had no problem getting it in New Zealand.

Kitty, diclofenac gel is amazing. Sold or prescribed as voltarol. It has greatly reduced the arthritic pain in my knees.
Ps Derby is where I went to school.

I've been able to buy migraine relief nasal spray that is normally only available on prescription from here:

www.doctorfox.co.uk/

Yes, I think I did, but everyone just said yes, fine. Until I read something recently on the internet I thought it was fine .

But could not buy mild hydrocortisone cream!

Always best to ask the GP and the pharmacist to check? "is it OK for me to take these with xxx ?"

Well, my GP has prescribed antibiotics for me which I have found are contra-indicated if I am on a certain medication - and the GP is well aware that the hospital has prescribed that medication for me.

When I go for stuff for DH (cough medicine etc ) things that he has been having for yrs)I am now prepared...
Is this for yourself ---- yes!liar
are you on any medication --- no!!liar

Just have to make sure I don't go to my regular chemist where I get mine and DH perscriptions!

rosequartz, I had that experience too, but in Boots! I just went in the next day and said I wanted it for my back - no problem...

agus no idea what supervise and validate might mean in this context.

A chemist in Tesco refused to sell me a mild hydrocortisone cream because I said I wanted to use just a little on my face.
She said it would thin the skin and could damage it. Doctors routinely prescribe a much stronger cream for eczema with just a warning not to use too much! Why is it available off prescription if it is so harmful?

I agree that it wouldn't stop a determined suicide but, possibly may stop someone who might have just been thinking about suicide and who might have just acted on impulse. That persons life might be saved by the fact they could not buy a large quantity at once. As JessM said, it is a horribly slow death and the pain the person suffers can be horrendous so if any deaths can be prevented then surely that is a good thing. I just think if you need long term Paracetamol you could ask your G.P to prescribe it.

You can buy whatever you like from an online pharmacy UK based, as long as you fill in an assessment form. This site even has "My Favourites":
https://m.pharmacy2u.co.uk/

I can only speak of my experience in France where pharmacists are required to have a 6-9 year degree as opposed to 4'years in Britain.

The French degree qualifies the pharmacist to supervise and validate all prescriptions.

That's true, Jess, but limiting the number you can buy at a time isn't going to prevent a determined suicide - they'll just go to several different outlets.

Quite aka including India I believe. I remember being DH being given over the counter antibiotics once in Spanish pharmacy.
I think pharmacists ought to be careful - probably more careful in lots of cases. Lots of drugs interact with other drugs. How many people do actually read all that small print on the leaflet? (Only the ones with really good eyesight) and they are often not written in lay person's terms.
Paracetamol is a dangerous drug that people use to commit suicide. It is a horrible death as it damages the liver and victims take days to die.

It can be a good thing if you know which antibiotic you require for your condition.

I have done this a few times in France.

Crossed posts Kitty that was not addressed to you!

This is Not A Good Thing.

Hard luck to your DH Ann - jubilation here! I come from Derby!